For Concern #2, if you only need to add "add a crash cymbal at the first beat of the next bar", can you not use the BIAB 2023 feature of "Playable Real Drums", and add the crash cymbal where you need it?
I think that is a great idea. However, as far as I know, not all RealTracks and RealDrums are playable with HiQ patch instrument available. If the drum of the style selected is non-playable, then this method won't work. Otherwise it's a smart workaround to add custom cymbals and beats.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
I think now I have a good grasp on this APT vs APF concept.
APT is basically PG pre-made MGU files with audio tracks attached. Once opened, users can change chords, change styles, to make a new song. Attached picture shows PG pre-made Artist Performance Set folders. In short, APTs are song templates.
APF is a technique. Users can right click any track in the mixer, and convert that track into an APF, which is essentially an audio file. It is equivalent to rendering to a WAV file first, then import the WAV file back to the same project as an external audio file. In short, APFs are exports.
Jim and I had this discussion before: APF is actually a "scalar" file that has lost its generatibilities from BiaB.
APF used to be used as sub-mix files because users don't have enough mixer tracks. However, with the introduction of utility tracks in BiaB 2021, users now have more than enough mixer tracks, and APF is no longer needed or useful that much.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
<< APF is a technique. Users can right click any track in the mixer, and convert that track into an APF, which is essentially an audio file. It is equivalent to rendering to a WAV file first, then import the WAV file back to the same project as an external audio file. In short, APFs are exports. >>
Not exactly. An APF is a conversion process so BIAB can recognize an audio file on another track besides the single audio track. This feature has been expanded to include the 16 additional Utility Tracks. The conversion doesn't involve any exporting or importing. The APF WAV file is saved without rendering. The process is faster than rendering and saving a WAV file.
<< APF used to be used as sub-mix files because users don't have enough mixer tracks. However, with the introduction of utility tracks in BiaB 2021, users now have more than enough mixer tracks, and APF is no longer needed or useful that much. >>
My thoughts about an APF's value is it's now 16 times more useful than prior to Utility Tracks being introduced. It's now much easier to remain in BIAB before exporting to a DAW and in many, if not most cases, eliminates the necessity to use a DAW for a lot of tasks where exporting has previously been utilized. In comparison to the analog world of multi track recorders, BIAB is the equivalent of updating from an 8 track to 24 tracks. All of the multi track editing and recording principles, functions, techniques and processes remain the same.
For users wanting to remain in BIAB as long as possible, learning to implement APF's provides a tremendous advantage.
Is this APF WAV file saved in the same folder of SGU, or saved somewhere else on C:, or just saved in the RAM? How I can find this "conversion" WAV file in the computer?
Quote:
An APF is a conversion process so BIAB can recognize an audio file on another track...
I assume once you converted a RealTrack to APF, it's done, you can not revert back to RealTrack anymore. If you want change a few chords later, the APF doesn't regen, and you lost the original RealTrack. You need to find and insert the same RealTrack again, in order to regen, and re-convert to a new APF.
Quote:
For users wanting to remain in BIAB as long as possible...
Remaining in BiaB for production is always the goal. But probably it's not a good idea to convert any green tracks to orange, otherwise you lose the ability to regen should any changes happen on the way. A simple freeze may seem to be more practical.
A Canadian music producer, singer songwriter, composer, and professional guitarist.
<< Is this APF WAV file saved in the same folder of SGU, or saved somewhere else on C:, or just saved in the RAM? How I can find this "conversion" WAV file in the computer? >>
Yes, it's saved and automatically named in the same folder as the SGU file. An SGU file must be saved before an APF can be saved. If the project hasn't been saved, there's a prompt to save.
<< I assume once you converted a RealTrack to APF, it's done, you can not revert back to RealTrack anymore. If you want change a few chords later, the APF doesn't regen, and you lost the original RealTrack. You need to find and insert the same RealTrack again, in order to regen, and re-convert to a new APF. >>
No. APF's can be undone and RealTracks restored. Rt. click on the track| Track Actions | Erase Performance Track Sometimes you may have to erase the track data as well and select revert back to style instrument. This is done in the Track actions menu also.
<< Remaining in BiaB for production is always the goal. But probably it's not a good idea to convert any green tracks to orange, otherwise you lose the ability to regen should any changes happen on the way. A simple freeze may seem to be more practical. >>
Absolutely. The APF is a tool and use when it's the right tool for the job at hand.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
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